Do You Know The Difference Between Fritters and Johnnycakes?

Welcome to July 16th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate a Southern staple and coloring outside the lines. 

Corn was an important part of Native American culture, but Europeans knew nothing of it until the 15th Century. When the settlers learned how to prepare corn from Native Americans, they included this new ingredient in traditional recipes, creating foods like cornbread. In the South, corn was used to create two regional favorites, which are often confused with one another. The johnnycake is made with cornmeal and is prepared like a pancake. Its cousin, the corn fritter is made with corn kernels in the batter that form a  dough patty that is fried in oil. Today, we’re celebrating the fritter. Sorry, johnnycake. On National Corn Fritters Day enjoy this delicious Southern treat with something savory or sweet, or as a meal on its own. 

Before the invention of the printing press, books were copied by hand. This tedious work was carried out by monks, who labored day and night to replicate the pages.  To break up the routine, some monks began doodling in the margins of the books. They drew everything from flowers and dragons to rabbits with swords.  While the illustrations did not always come from the text, the eye catching watercolors brought the work to life. Today, illuminated manuscripts are priceless.  So the next time your toddler draws in their books, remember that today’s crimes may be tomorrow’s treasures. Celebrate World Watercolor Month with a blank book to doodle in. You might find a great way to beat boredom for yourself! 

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson.  Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.